(a) An Adjacent Coastal State connected by pipeline to the deepwater port may petition the cognizant Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority to amend the operations manual. The petition must include sufficient information to allow the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority to reach a decision concerning the proposed amendment.

(b) After the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority receives a petition, the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority requests comments from the licensee.

(c) After reviewing the petition and comments, and considering the costs and benefits involved, the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority may approve the petition if the proposed amendment will provide equivalent or improved protection and safety. The Adjacent Coastal State may petition the Commandant (CG-5P) to review the decision. Petitions must be made in writing and presented to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority for forwarding to the Commandant (CG-5P) via the District Commander.

This final rule makes non-substantive technical, organizational, and conforming amendments to existing regulations throughout Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These changes provide the public with more accurate and current regulatory information, but they do not change the impact on the public of any Coast Guard regulation.